India praises Bangladesh PM’s father’s 1971 speech in reach out

Dhaka: India on Saturday recalled former Bangladesh President Zia-ur-Rehman’s historic broadcast in which he declared the country’s independence, quoting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and called on people to resist the Pakistani army amid a military crackdown marked by widespread killings and mass atrocities.On the 45th anniversary of Zia’s death, India commemorated Zia, the father of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and his famous radio address in March 1971, calling Zia one of India’s bravest sons.The Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a statement: “As the people of Bangladesh gather today to remember one of their country’s bravest sons, President Bir Uttam of Shaheed Zia-ur-Rehman, we recall his famous radio address in March 1971 that electrified the masses and inspired them to embark on a path of resistance against oppression and ultimately towards national liberation.”“Today, as then, India and the people of Bangladesh fight side by side, sacrifice together, and move towards progress and prosperity together,” the message added.When Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, Chittagong city and many other areas started to resist. On March 27 at 7:45 pm, Major Zia-ur-Rahman made a broadcast on behalf of Bangabandhu at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Kalugat, north of Chittagong city.